File recovery using the ext3 file system

wdhpr · 11. Jan 2011, 01:53 AM

I decided to start a thread on this subject because I thinks its important especially to those making the switch to Linux. I suggested a utility for a undelete utility for Linux on the Best Free software for Linux thread. At the time I didn't expect the can of worms I was opening. It appears recovering deleted files on a ext 3 & 4 file systems is not a easy thing to do. FAT16 & 32 file systems are much easier. TestDisk & PhotoRec 6.11.3 Are the only free utilities I could find for such a task. Photorec which comes bundled with test disk seems to have good reviews. Dottech's Ashraf seems to think highly of it although his review is for its use with Windows.

However when I dig a little deeper I found various discussions that describe the process is allot more complicated for example this exchange from LinuxQuestions.org and this article
by Carlo Wood I know they are over 3 years old but I am having a hard time finding recent information. I will post this question on LinuxQuestions.org which I have found them to be a friendly site and I will post the replies back here.

I am using ext3 because its supposed to be better than ext4. Both ext3 & 4 are supposed to be the file system to carry Linux into the future.
I haven't really explored file recovery with fat and ext2 file systems. But If I can't find a reasonable way to recover deleted files on my current ext3 format I may go back to fat32

Wdhpr

wdhpr · 11. Jan 2011, 05:34 AM

I found a live cd thats seems to be promising its called CAINE (Computer Aided INvestigative Environment)

Responses so far from Linuxquestions.org

Popjudy · 13. Jan 2011, 02:34 AM

linux bootable cd

wdhpr · 13. Jan 2011, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Popjudy

linux bootable cd

I have concluded there is no easy way to recover deleted files on a ext3 Linux file system as one gentleman said on another forum. Its reinforces the caution he takes when he clicks the empty trash command. Windows recovery of deleted files is not a guarantee of success. Linux just going to be far more difficult.

Anyway CAINE's seem to be a swiss army knife of tools that as of this time I have almost a zero idea of how to use. But as past experiences has showed me I will have ample opportunity to try.

Wdhpr

11. Jan 2011, 01:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
wdhpr Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The north Coast Posts: 1,117	File recovery using the ext3 file system I decided to start a thread on this subject because I thinks its important especially to those making the switch to Linux. I suggested a utility for a undelete utility for Linux on the Best Free software for Linux thread. At the time I didn't expect the can of worms I was opening. It appears recovering deleted files on a ext 3 & 4 file systems is not a easy thing to do. FAT16 & 32 file systems are much easier. TestDisk & PhotoRec 6.11.3 Are the only free utilities I could find for such a task. Photorec which comes bundled with test disk seems to have good reviews. Dottech's Ashraf seems to think highly of it although his review is for its use with Windows. However when I dig a little deeper I found various discussions that describe the process is allot more complicated for example this exchange from LinuxQuestions.org and this article by Carlo Wood I know they are over 3 years old but I am having a hard time finding recent information. I will post this question on LinuxQuestions.org which I have found them to be a friendly site and I will post the replies back here. I am using ext3 because its supposed to be better than ext4. Both ext3 & 4 are supposed to be the file system to carry Linux into the future. I haven't really explored file recovery with fat and ext2 file systems. But If I can't find a reasonable way to recover deleted files on my current ext3 format I may go back to fat32 Wdhpr Last edited by wdhpr; 11. Jan 2011 at 02:20 AM.

13. Jan 2011, 02:34 AM	#3 (permalink)
Popjudy Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 4	File recovery using the ext3 file system linux bootable cd

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11. Jan 2011, 05:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
wdhpr Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: The north Coast Posts: 1,117	I found a live cd thats seems to be promising its called CAINE (Computer Aided INvestigative Environment) Responses so far from Linuxquestions.org